Sometimes everyday systems hold the best design ideas. For the Gen1.1 Underground, Apiar turned to one of London’s most iconic pieces of engineering: the Tube. Its map is a masterclass in organising complexity through clarity, hierarchy, and structure. When Apiar co-founder Matt Oosthuizen saw the recent circular reinterpretation of the network, the geometry immediately resonated with the way watch dials organise information. That moment became the starting point for this British Watchmakers’ Day special edition. At first glance, the Gen1.1 Underground is colourful and playful. Look closer and the engineering reveals itself. The dial begins as a CNC-machined brass blank, laser engraved and then hand-filled with enamel paints by dial artist Chris Alexander using colours drawn from the London Underground lines. Each dial is coloured freely by hand, ensuring both watches are completely unique. Paired with Apiar’s generatively designed titanium case, the Gen1.1 Underground brings together British infrastructure, graphic design thinking, and advanced manufacturing. Limited to three watches, available exclusively at British Watchmakers’ Day.
